Helium-filled balloons

NOAA balloon to measure ozone layer, South Pole station

Helium balloons - helium is lighter than air at ambient temperature, and that explains why helium balloons rise when they are let loose.

Helium-filled balloons are widely used

• advertising - tethered helium balloons
• meteorological studies - NASA's Scientific Ballooning Program
• atmospheric studies - NOAA ozone layer research

What do you think?

• Have you had a balloon filled with helium? How is it different from a balloon filled with air that you blew up yourself?
• Why are researchers using helium-filled balloons to lift instruments high above the earth?

Engineering ideas

• ambient temperature, pressure, gases, density

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